Insights From Industry Leaders

I. Fear Doesn’t Get a Vote

Shane Zutz underscores the importance of not letting fear guide your decisions. He encourages leaders to focus on what they know for sure, even if it’s limited, and to eliminate fear from the equation to advance in their careers.

II. Authenticity and Humility

Maryellen Stack emphasizes being authentic and humble. She sheds light on the importance of being true to oneself and maintaining a genuine demeanor, even in leadership roles. This authenticity fosters trust and stronger team bonds.

III. Honesty and Direct Feedback

Don Akery speaks about the significance of honesty and providing direct feedback. He shares his evolution from sugarcoating feedback to being more straightforward while maintaining respect, which has enhanced his leadership effectiveness.

Quotes From Our Guest

“Remember, fear doesn’t get a vote. Focus on what you know for sure and eliminate fear from your decision-making process.”

– Shane Zutz, VP of Human Resources at DigiKey

“Be authentic in your leadership. People value and trust leaders who are genuine and true to themselves.”

– Maryellen Stack, Director of Marketing Communications at Sager Electronics

Actionable Tip For You

Embrace Direct Feedback

Begin practicing giving clear, respectful feedback. Identify one instance in the coming week where you can deliver your feedback directly but respectfully. This will help in building a more transparent and growth-oriented workspace.

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Challenge For You

Lift Your Head and Look Forward

This week, challenge yourself to lift your head from daily tasks and consider the bigger picture. Focus on long-term goals and communicate your vision to your team. How can you inspire your team to see where you are headed collectively?

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Thank you for being a valued reader of the Leadership In Manufacturing Newsletter. Stay tuned for more insights and actionable tips in our next edition.